Psychoanalytical Considerations of Emotion Regulation Disorders in Multiple Complex-Traumatized Children-A Study Protocol of the Prospective Study MuKi.

Studies in adults with mental disorders suggest that the experience of early and chronic trauma is associated with changes in reward expectancy and processing. In addition, severe childhood trauma has been shown to contribute to the development of mental disorders in general. Data on effects of early childhood trauma on reward expectancy and processing in middle childhood currently appear insufficient. The present study aims to fill this research gap by examining the effects of developmental trauma disorder (DTD) on reward expectancy and processing in children aged 8-12 years, testing the hypothesis that children with multiple complex traumas exhibit altered reward processing as a result of prior disappointing reward experiences. One main feature of developmental trauma disorder is early experiences of multiple separation from important and close relationships alongside other experiences of emotional or physical harm. In the sequel children often show affect regulation disorders. To investigate this, we have developed an adapted version of the Monetary Incentive Delay (MID) Task, which examines children's expectation of reward or frustration. In this first study, behavioral data will be collected from N = 40 children (n = 20 experimental group and n = 20 healthy controls) using this adapted version of the MID Task. Children in the experimental group will be recruited from youth welfare centers in Frankfurt a.M., Germany. Healthy control subjects will be recruited from after-school-care facilities. A brief trauma screening will be conducted for both groups, experimental and control. If children show signs of trauma, the presence of a developmental trauma disorder will be further delineated by a German translation of the Developmental Trauma Disorder Structured Interview for Children (DTDSI-C) which was translated the first time in German by our research group. We hypothesize that children in the experimental group will be less accurate in performing the Monetary Incentive Delay Task because of their impaired emotion regulation skills due to emotional avoidance following developmental trauma. If the results of our initial behavioral study are promising, the MID task will be used in a future study to elucidate the relationship between trauma developmental disorder, reward expectancy and processing, and neurobiological processes in middle childhood.

Intranasal oxytocin administration but not peripheral oxytocin regulates behaviors of attachment insecurity: A meta-analysis.

In light of the roles of oxytocin (OT) in social bonding and interpersonal relationship, studies have examined the roles of OT in human attachment, but by and large previous findings are inconsistent. Here, we conducted - meta-analyses to estimate the associations between peripheral OT level (e.g., blood and salivary OT) and attachment (i.e., attachment dimensions and behaviors of attachment insecurity) and examine the effects of intranasal OT administration on behaviors of attachment insecurity. The analyses indicated that: (1) Peripheral OT level was not significantly associated with attachment dimensions (e.g., attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance) and behaviors of attachment insecurity; (2) intranasal OT administration significantly reduced behaviors of attachment insecurity of neutral contexts, particularly behaviors of attachment avoidance. The findings suggest that intranasal OT administration is an available approach for reducing behaviors of attachment insecurity of interpersonal situations with ambiguous social cues, which implicates suggestions for therapeutic treatments of attachment-related dysfunctions.

Evaluation of µ-Opioid System Functionality in Mouse Pups: Ultrasonic Vocalizations as an Index of Infant Attachment.

The evaluation of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) during isolation in 6-8-day-old mouse pups can give an indication of the perception of pups' discomfort and need for caretaker presence to overcome the unpleasant condition. Time spent vocalizing changed according to opioid activation, stress exposure, and genetic profile of pups. Deficits in attachment suggest altered opioid functioning and predisposal for long-term defective social behaviors and reward processes.

Attachment to the Amazon Rainforest: Constitutive Aspects and their Predictors / Apego à Floresta Amazônica: Aspectos Constitutivos e seus Preditores / Apego a la Selva Amazónica: Aspectos Constitutivos y sus Predictores

Abstract This investigation aims to contribute to the understanding of the attachment to the Amazon rainforest and its predictors, considering the dimensions that characterize this extensive environment. Five instruments were administered to 333 individuals of both genders, over the age of 18, from the cities of Ceres and Manaus, evaluating the Ecological affinity profile; Attachment to the Amazon rainforest; Experiences in nature; Knowledge of the Amazon rainforest; and Socioeconomic factors. The results confirm that attachment depends on the length of stay in the place. Data shows that the ecological affinity profile plays an important role in the attachment to a natural environment, suggesting that this relationship is strengthened by understanding the characteristics of this environment and its experiences. Based on the perspective of Environmental Psychology, this study advances knowledge on place attachment predictors and provides important arguments for the development of pro-environmental interventions focused on emotional and experiential aspects.

Resumo Este estudo visa contribuir com o entendimento acerca do apego à floresta amazônica e seus preditores considerando as dimensões características deste macro ambiente. Cinco instrumentos foram aplicados a 333 indivíduos de duas cidades brasileiras, de ambos os sexos, com idade superior a 18 anos: Afinidade ecológica; Apego à floresta amazônica; Experiências na natureza; Conhecimento da floresta amazônica; e socioeconômico. Os resultados confirmam que o apego depende fortemente do tempo de permanência no lugar. O perfil de afinidade ecológica é importante para o apego ao ambiente natural e esta relação é fortalecida com conhecimento das características deste ambiente e das vivências. Este estudo acrescenta evidências para o entendimento dos preditores do apego ao lugar e provê argumentação para o desenvolvimento de intervenções pró-ambientais focadas nos aspectos emocionais e experienciais.

Resumen En este trabajo se pretende comprender el apego a la Selva Amazónica y sus predictores teniendo en cuenta las dimensiones características de este entorno macro. Se administraron a 333 individuos de ambos sexos, mayores de 18 años de edad de dos ciudades brasileñas, las siguientes pruebas: Perfil de afinidad ecológica; Apego a la selva amazónica; Experiencias en la naturaleza; Conocimiento del bioma; y un perfil socioeconómico. Los resultados confirmaron que el apego depende fuertemente de la duración de la estancia en el lugar. Además, el perfil de afinidad ecológica es importante para el apego al medio ambiente natural y esta relación se fortalece a partir del conocimiento de las características de este entorno y las experiencias. Este estudio aporta evidencia para la comprensión de los predictores de apego al lugar y proporciona argumentos para desarrollar intervenciones proambientales centradas en aspectos emocionales y vivenciales.

Repeated cross-fostering affects maternal behavior and olfactory preferences in rat pups.

Disturbances in early mother-infant relationships are strongly associated with changes in the development of a number of physiological and behavioral systems in the neonate that can create a complex change in patterns of vulnerability throughout life. Institutionalized children, despite receiving adequate care, display important behavioral changes in adult life, and such changes are strongly associated with a lack of selective and consistent attachment to the maternal figure in early life. It is not yet clear how human adoption processes alter the mother-infant relationship early in life. Here, to mimic the situation of human adoption and explore the impact on the formation of attachment between the infant and a caregiver, we use a repeated cross-fostering (RCF) model in rodents in two postnatal periods, postnatal days (PND) 1 to 3 (early RCF) and 9 to 11 (late RCF). Early exposure but not late exposure to RCF reduces the pups' preference for the odor of the mother figure. Moreover, early exposure and slightly later exposure to RCF reduce maternal care and motivation in collecting the pups and bringing them to the nest. The RCF protocol creates an unstable environment for mother-pup interaction, but it seems to affect learned attachment to the mother only when it occurs during the corresponding sensitive period of development.

Preliminary Evidence on the Validity of the Brazilian Short Work Attachment Measure - SWAM Version / Evidências Preliminares de Validade da Versão Brasileira da Short Work Attachment Measure - SWAM / Evidencias Preliminares de la Validez de la Versión Brasileña de Short Work Attachment Measure - SWAM

Abstract There is growing interest on the relationship between attachment and work- or career-related decisions. However, to this date, there are no scientific reports assessing adult attachment in work environment in Brazilian samples. This study aimed to adapt and collect psychometric evidence from the Short Work Attachment Measure for Brazilian Portuguese. A total of 450 adults (62.2% women; mean age = 23.8 years old) from a Southeastern state of Brazil participated in this research. Exploratory and confirmatory factorial procedures replicated the original version of the two-dimensional structure of the measure. The McDonald's Omega accuracy indicators were higher than 0.78 for the instrument. Evidence of convergent validity was observed with a measure of attachment to romantic relationships and life satisfaction. We concluded that the Brazilian version of SWAM presents adequate psychometric properties

Resumo Há um crescente interesse na relação entre apego e decisões relacionadas a trabalho e carreira. Entretanto, até o presente momento, não há relatos científicos de nenhuma medida para avaliação do apego adulto no contexto laboral em amostras brasileira. O presente estudo teve por objetivo adaptar e levantar evidências psicométricas da Short Work Attachment Measure para o português brasileiro. Participaram da pesquisa 450 profissionais adultos (62,2% feminino, M = 23,8 anos) oriundas de um estado do sudeste brasileiro. Procedimentos fatoriais exploratórios e confirmatórios replicaram a versão original da estrutura bidimensional da medida. Os indicadores de precisão ômega de McDonald's do instrumento foram ambos superiores a 0,78. Evidências de validade convergente foram observadas com uma medida de apego para relações românticas e satisfação com a vida. Conclui-se que a versão brasileira da SWAM apresenta propriedades psicométricas adequadas.

Resumen Existe un creciente interés en la relación entre apego y decisiones relacionadas con el trabajo y la carrera. Pero hasta el momento son inexistentes los estudios científicos sobre medidas que evalúan el apego adulto en el contexto laboral en muestras brasileñas. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo adaptar y recopilar evidencias psicométricas de la Short Work Attachment Measure para el portugués brasileño. Participaron 450 profesionales adultos en la investigación (el 62,2% mujeres, M = 23,8 años), provenientes de un estado del Sudeste de Brasil. Los procedimientos factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios se replicaron a la versión original de la estructura bidimensional de la medida. Los indicadores de precisión omega de McDonald's del instrumento fueron superiores a 0,78. Se observó evidencias de validez convergente con una medida de apego a las relaciones románticas y de satisfacción con la vida. Se concluye que la versión brasileña de SWAM tiene propiedades psicométricas adecuadas.

Evaluating Cognitive and Behavioral Outcomes in Conjunction with the Secure Base Effect for Dogs in Shelter and Foster Environments.

Although it is widely accepted that dogs and humans form attachment relationships, characterizing attachment styles in dogs has only recently received attention in the literature. Previous research has shown that pet dogs display patterns of behavior in an attachment test that can be classified into secure and insecure attachment styles, much like human children and their caretakers. However, we currently know relatively little about the role of attachment styles in relation to canine well-being. This question may be of particular interest for the 3.9 million dogs that enter animal shelters in the United States alone each year, as this transition marks the dissolution of prior bonds and the establishment of new attachment relationships. Herein, results are presented from analyses of volunteer-reported canine personality and behavior measures, as well as performance on two cognitive tasks as they relate to attachment styles developed within shelter and foster environments. Results from the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) indicated that foster dogs were scored as having significantly higher levels of attachment and attention-seeking behaviors when compared with shelter dogs. In both environments, dogs categorized as securely attached to a shelter or foster volunteer had lower neuroticism scores. Secure attachment in foster homes was also associated with improved persistence and performance on a point following task. These results provide support for the idea that attachment styles formed with temporary caregivers is associated with other behavioral and personality measures, and therefore may have implications for behavior and welfare in dogs living in foster homes and animal shelters.

Characterizing Human-Dog Attachment Relationships in Foster and Shelter Environments as a Potential Mechanism for Achieving Mutual Wellbeing and Success.

This study aimed to characterize attachment relationships between humans and dogs living in animal shelters or foster homes, and to contextualize these relationships in the broader canine attachment literature. In this study, 21 pairs of foster dogs and foster volunteers and 31 pairs of shelter dogs and shelter volunteers participated. Each volunteer-dog dyad participated in a secure base test and a paired attachment test. All volunteers completed the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS), a survey designed to measure strength of attachment bonds as reported by humans. Although no significant differences were present in terms of proportions of insecure and secure attachments between foster and shelter populations, proportions in the shelter population were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the proportions of attachment styles that would be expected in a population of pet dogs based on the published literature on pet dog attachment styles. Additionally, findings are presented in relation to data from a paired attachment test that demonstrate foster and shelter dogs spend more time in proximity to humans when the human is actively attending to the dog and encouraging interaction, as would be expected based on previous studies. We also present findings related to the presence of disinhibited attachment (previously reported in children who spent a significant portion of time living in institutionalized settings) which is characterized by a lack of preferential proximity seeking with a familiar caregiver and excessive friendliness towards strangers in foster and shelter dogs.

Inhibited symptoms of Attachment Disorder in children from institutional and foster care samples.

The main objective of the article was to study the prevalence of symptoms of the inhibited attachment disorder depending on type and quality of the caregiving environment. Analyses were based on data of a sample of institutionalized children from Georgia (N = 16), and two samples of foster children from Georgia (N = 27) and Germany (N = 55). Inhibited attachment disorder symptoms were assessed by the Disturbances of Attachment Interview (DAI) and the Rating of Inhibited Attachment Behavior (RInAB). Further assessments included behavior problems in children, quality of caregiving behavior in foster parents/caregivers, and presence of preferred caregiver in the institution. Regarding inhibited attachment behavior, expected differences between institutional (high scores) and foster samples (low scores) found for both measures (RInAB and DAI), and convergent validity between these measures was found in the institutional sample, but not in the foster samples. There were also indications of construct validity (regarding preferred caregiver in institution and caregiver supportive presence). The findings also suggest methodological issues brought about by skewed distributions of positive and negative measures in high-risk and low-risk samples, respectively.

Vocalization as a novel endpoint of atypical attachment behavior in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-exposed infant mice.

Mammalian attachment behaviors, such as crying, are essential for infant survival by receiving food, protection, and warmth from caregivers. Ultrasonic vocalization (USV) of infant rodents functions to promote maternal proximity. Impaired USV emission has been reported in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder, suggesting that USV is associated with higher brain function. In utero and lactational dioxin exposure is known to induce higher brain function abnormalities in adulthood; however, whether perinatal dioxin exposure affects behavior during infancy is unclear. Therefore, we studied the impact of dioxin exposure on USV emission in infant mice born to dams treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD; 0.6 or 3.0 µg/kg) on gestational day 12.5. On postnatal days 3-9, USVs of the offspring were recorded for 1 min using a microphone in a sound-attenuated chamber. The total USV and mean call durations in infant mice exposed to 3.0 µg/kg, but not 0.6 µg/kg, were shorter than those in the control mice. In addition, the percentages of complicated call types (i.e., chevron and wave) in mice exposed to 3.0 µg/kg were decreased. Dioxin-induced gene expression changes occurred in the brains of mice exposed to 3.0 µg/kg; however, body weight, motor activity, and vocal fold structure were not significantly affected. These results suggest that infant USV is a useful behavioral endpoint in developmental neurotoxicity assessment that may be used to evaluate effects of chemical exposure on the infant-caregiver interaction.

Mothers' Experiences with their Own Caregivers and Child's Behaviors Attachment / Experiências Maternas com os Próprios Cuidadores e os Comportamentos de Apego do Filho / Experiencias Maternas con los propios Cuidadores y los Comportamientos de Apego del Hijo

Abstract Early experiences of mothers with their own caregivers tend to influence later relationships, particularly with future children. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the mothers' experiences with their own caregivers and the relation with the child's current attachment behaviors. Participants were 48 mothers and their children (M = 28.1m; SD = 4.3). The mothers' experience with their own caregivers was investigated through their perceptions of the care received from their caregivers (Parental Bonding Instrument), and by the representations of attachment (Attachment Script Assessment). The attachment behaviors of the child were investigated by Attachment Q-Sort. Analyzes revealed a reasonable consistency between the mothers' perceptions about received care, their representations of attachment, and the attachment behaviors of their children. The results support the literature on the relation between mother' experiences with their own caregivers and the attachment behaviors of the child and bring contributions when presenting evidences in a Brazilian sample.

Resumo As experiências iniciais maternas com os próprios cuidadores tendem a influenciar as relações posteriores, particularmente com os futuros filhos. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as experiências das mães com os próprios cuidadores e a relação com os comportamentos atuais de apego do filho. Participaram 48 mães e seus filhos/as (M = 28,1m; DP = 4,3). A experiência das mães com os próprios cuidadores foi investigada através das suas percepções sobre os cuidados recebidos de seus cuidadores (Parental Bonding Instrument), e pelas representações de apego (Attachment Script Assessment). Os comportamentos de apego da criança foram investigados pelo Attachment Q-Sort. Análises revelaram consistência razoável entre as percepções das mães sobre os cuidados recebidos, as suas representações de apego e os comportamentos de apego dos filhos. Os resultados apoiam a literatura sobre a relação entre experiências maternas com os próprios cuidadores e os comportamentos de apego do filho e traz contribuições ao apresentar evidências em uma amostra brasileira.

Resumen Las experiencias iniciales maternas con sus propios cuidadores tienden a influir en las relaciones posteriores, particularmente con los futuros hijos. De esta forma, el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar las experiencias de las madres con los propios cuidadores y la relación con los comportamientos actuales de apego del hijo. Participaron 48 madres y sus hijos (M = 28,1m, DP = 4,3). La experiencia de las madres con los propios cuidadores fue investigada por medio de sus percepciones sobre los cuidados recibidos de sus cuidadores (Parental Bonding Instrument), y por las representaciones de apego (Attachment Script Assessment). Los comportamientos de apego del niño fueron investigados por el Attachment Q-Sort. Los análisis revelaron consistencia razonable entre las percepciones de las madres sobre los cuidados recibidos, sus representaciones de apego y los comportamientos de apego de los hijos. Los resultados apoyan la literatura sobre la relación entre experiencias maternas con sus propios cuidadores y los comportamientos de apego del hijo y aportan contribuciones al presentar evidencias en una muestra brasileña.

High Anxiety Attachment in Eating Disorders: Intergenerational Transmission by Mothers and Fathers / Apego de Alta Ansiedade em Transtornos Alimentares: Transmissão Intergeracional por Mães e Pais / Apego de Ansiedad Alta en Trastornos de la Alimentación: La Transmisión Intergeneracional de las Madres y los Padres

Abstract Research on eating disorders (ED) has shown in patients a prevalence of insecure attachment working models (IWMs). Nevertheless, the issue of a prevalence, in patients, of high anxiety IWMs (HAIWMs) has rarely been addressed. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence in ED patients of high anxiety IWMs and their transmission by parents. The Separation Anxiety Test was administered to 55 patients with an ED, a control sample (n = 80), their mothers and fathers. The two groups differed significantly, with a prevalence of HAIWMs in the patients and their parents compared to the controls; in ED no significant difference appeared in mother-patient versus father-patient matching for HAIWMs. The implication is that patients with an ED might benefit more from individual attachment-based therapy and/or a family therapy than from other types of psychotherapeutic approaches.

Resumo A pesquisa sobre transtornos alimentares (TA) tem demonstrado em pacientes um predomínio de modelos operacionais internos (MOI) inseguros. No entanto, a questão da prevalência de MOI de alta ansiedade (MOIAA) em pacientes raramente tem sido investigada. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a prevalência em pacientes TA (com distúrbios alimentares) de MOI com alta ansiedade e sua possível transmissão por parte dos pais. O Separation Anxiety Test foi administrado a 55 pacientes com TA, uma amostra de controle (n = 80), suas mães e pais. Os dois grupos diferiram significativamente com prevalência de MOIAA nos pacientes e seus pais em comparação com os sujeitos de controle. No grupo TA nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada na díade mãe-paciente versus pai-paciente similares quanto à MOIAA. A implicação é que os pacientes com TA podem se beneficiar mais por uma terapia individual e/ou familiar baseada no apego do que outros tipos de abordagens psicoterapêuticas.

Resumen La investigación sobre los trastornos de la alimentación (TA) ha demostrado en pacientes un predominio de Modelos Operativos Internos (MOI) inseguros. Sin embargo, la cuestión de la prevalencia en pacientes de MOI que se caracteriza por altos niveles de ansiedad (MOIAA) se ha investigado raras veces. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la prevalencia en pacientes TA (con trastornos alimentarios) de MOI con alta ansiedad y su posible transmisión por parte de los padres. El Separation Anxiety Test de Bowlby se administró a 55 pacientes con un trastorno de la alimentación (TA), una muestra de control (n = 80), sus padres y madres. Los dos grupos difirieron significativamente, con una prevalencia de MOIAA en los pacientes y sus padres, en comparación con los sujetos de control; en el grupo TA, no se encontró ninguna diferencia significativa en la madre-paciente frente a la relación padre-paciente similares con relación a MOIAA. La implicación es que los pacientes con TA pueden beneficiarse más de una terapia individual y/o familiar basado en el apego que otros tipos de enfoques psicoterapéuticos.

Parent-Child Discrepancy on Children's Body Weight Perception: The Role of Attachment Security.

The discrepancies between parents and their children on the description of the behavior and representations of their children have been shown in various studies. Other researchers have reported the parents' difficulty in correctly identifying the weight status of their children. The purpose of our study was to investigate the parent's attributional accuracy on their children's body weight perception in relation to the children attachment security. It was hypothesized that insecure children's parents have a greater discrepancy with their children compared to secure children with their parents. The research participants were 217 children, aged between 5 and 11 years of both genders, and their parents. The attachment pattern was measured by the SAT of Klagsbrun and Bowlby, with the Italian version of Attili. The children were also shown a set of figure body-drawings with which to measure the perception of their weight status. Parents answered a questionnaire to find out the parental attribution of their children's perception. The results show that the body weight perception of insecure children's parents have a greater discrepancy with their children's body weight perception compared with parentally secure children. In particular, parents of insecure children tend to underestimate the perception of their children. This result is most evident in disorganized children. In addition, the perception of insecure children's parents show a greater correlation with children's actual weight rather than with their children's perception. These results suggest that the discrepancies on the perception of children's body weight between parents and children may be influenced by the poor parental attunement to their children's internal states, which characterizes the insecure parent-child attachment relationship.

The experiences in close relationships - relationship structures questionnaire (ecr-rs): validity evidence and reliability / Questionário de estruturas relacionais (ecr-rs): evidências de validade de construto e precisão / Cuestionario de estructuras relacionales (ecr-rs): evidencias de validez de constructo y precisión

The ECR-RS assesses attachment in close relationships: father, mother, romantic partners and friends. Each relationship is assessed by a scale that theoretically comprises two factors: anxious and avoidant attachment. The main goals of this research was to estimate the first evidences of internal structure validity and reliability of the ECR-RS Brazilian version, and describe the item parameters and participants’ characteristics. The sample comprised 251 participants (mean age: 28.21 ± 10.29; 81.95% women). The categorical Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed two-dimensional structure of the scales, as theoretically hypothesized, with desirable internal consistency indexes. The Rasch-Masters Partial Credit Mode indicated that the instrument items have a level of difficulty close to the mean and suitable adjustments indexes (Infit/Outfit), and summarized description of participants’ theta levels. The results suggest that the instrument is an appropriate measure of attachment in adults.

O ECR-RS avalia os estilos de vínculo estabelecidos em relacionamentos com pessoas próximas: pai, mãe, companheiro(a) e amigo(a). Cada relacionamento é avaliado por uma escala que teoricamente compreende dois fatores: apego ansioso e evitativo. Essa pesquisa teve como principais objetivos estimar as primeiras evidências de validade da estrutura interna e precisão da versão brasileira do ECR-RS e descrever os parâmetros dos itens e características dos participantes. A amostra foi composta por 251 participantes (idade média: 28,21 ± 10,29; 81,95% mulheres). Análise Fatorial Exploratória categórica revelou estrutura bidimensional das escalas, conforme hipótese teórica, com índices desejáveis de consistência interna. O Modelo de Créditos Parciais demostrou índices de dificuldade próximos da média e ajustes adequados (Infit/Outfit) para os itens do ECR-RS, bem como descrição sumarizada dos níveis de theta dos participantes. Os resultados sugerem que o instrumento é uma medida adequada de apego em adultos.

El ECR-RS evalúa los estilos de vínculo establecidos en las relaciones con personas cercanas: padre, madre, compañero(a) y amigo(a). Cada relación es evaluada por una escala que teóricamente comprende dos factores: vínculo ansioso y vínculo evitativo. Esta investigación tuvo como principales objetivos estimar las primeras evidencias de validez de la estructura interna y precisión de la versión brasileña del ECR-RS, y describir los parámetros de los ítems y características de los participantes. La muestra fue realizada por 251 participantes (edad promedio: 28,21±10,29; 81,95% mujeres). El Análisis Factorial Exploratorio categórico reveló estructura bidimensional de las escalas, conforme a la hipótesis teórica, con índices de consistencia interna deseables. El Modelo de Créditos Parciales indicó que los ítems del instrumento tienen índices de dificultad promedio y ajustes adecuados (Infit/outfit)para los ítems del EC-RS, así como una descripción resumida de los niveles theta de los participantes. Los resultados sugieren que el instrumento es una medida adecuada para evaluar el vínculo en adultos.

The Experiences in Close Relationships - Relationship Structures Questionnaire (ECR-RS): validity evidence and reliability / Questionário de Estruturas Relacionais (ECR-RS): Evidências de Validade de Construto e Precisão / Cuestionario de Estructuras Relacionales (ECR-RS): Evidencias de Validez de Constructo y Precisión

The ECR-RS assesses attachment in close relationships: father, mother, romantic partners and friends. Each relationship is assessed by a scale that theoretically comprises two factors: anxious and avoidant attachment. The main goals of this research was to estimate the first evidences of internal structure validity and reliability of the ECR-RS Brazilian version, and describe the item parameters and participants’ characteristics. The sample comprised 251 participants (mean age: 28.21 ± 10.29; 81.95% women). The categorical Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed two-dimensional structure of the scales, as theoretically hypothesized, with desirable internal consistency indexes. The Rasch-Masters Partial Credit Mode indicated that the instrument items have a level of difficulty close to the mean and suitable adjustments indexes (Infit/Outfit), and summarized description of participants’ theta levels. The results suggest that the instrument is an appropriate measure of attachment in adults.

O ECR-RS avalia os estilos de vínculo estabelecidos em relacionamentos com pessoas próximas: pai, mãe, companheiro(a) e amigo(a). Cada relacionamento é avaliado por uma escala que teoricamente compreende dois fatores: apego ansioso e evitativo. Essa pesquisa teve como principais objetivos estimar as primeiras evidências de validade da estrutura interna e precisão da versão brasileira do ECR-RS e descrever os parâmetros dos itens e características dos participantes. A amostra foi composta por 251 participantes (idade média: 28,21 ± 10,29; 81,95% mulheres). Análise Fatorial Exploratória categórica revelou estrutura bidimensional das escalas, conforme hipótese teórica, com índices desejáveis de consistência interna. O Modelo de Créditos Parciais demostrou índices de dificuldade próximos da média e ajustes adequados (Infit/Outfit) para os itens do ECR-RS, bem como descrição sumarizada dos níveis de theta dos participantes. Os resultados sugerem que o instrumento é uma medida adequada de apego em adultos.

El ECR-RS evalúa los estilos de vínculo establecidos en las relaciones con personas cercanas: padre, madre, compañero(a) y amigo(a). Cada relación es evaluada por una escala que teóricamente comprende dos factores: vínculo ansioso y vínculo evitativo. Esta investigación tuvo como principales objetivos estimar las primeras evidencias de validez de la estructura interna y precisión de la versión brasileña del ECR-RS, y describir los parámetros de los ítems y características de los participantes. La muestra fue realizada por 251 participantes (edad promedio: 28,21±10,29; 81,95% mujeres). El Análisis Factorial Exploratorio categórico reveló estructura bidimensional de las escalas, conforme a la hipótesis teórica, con índices de consistencia interna deseables. El Modelo de Créditos Parciales indicó que los ítems del instrumento tienen índices de dificultad promedio y ajustes adecuados (Infit/outfit)para los ítems del EC-RS, así como una descripción resumida de los niveles theta de los participantes. Los resultados sugieren que el instrumento es una medida adecuada para evaluar el vínculo en adultos.

Differentiating Between Attachment Styles and Behaviors and their Association with Marital Quality.

The purpose of this study was to distinguish between the influence of attachment styles and behaviors on marital quality for couples. Data were gathered from 680 couples in a married relationship. Results showed attachment style and behaviors predicted marital quality for both men and women, with higher levels of attachment related to greater quality. Attachment behaviors predicted more of the variance in quality than did styles. Specific implications regarding how therapists may wish to foster behaviors that promote attachment security in marriages are discussed.

[Effect of oxytocin on human pain perception]. / Wirkung von Oxytocin auf das menschliche Schmerzerleben.

BACKGROUND: Over the years the effect of the neuropeptide oxytocin and its possible utilization for pain management has been increasingly more investigated and discussed. Initial results emphasized the effects of oxytocin with respect to labor and breastfeeding. Diverse animals studies were also able to demonstrate the effectiveness of the peptide in attachment behavior and pain perception; however, it is still unclear how oxytocin affects pain perception in humans. The potential therapeutic effectiveness of oxytocin could be particularly important for primary and secondary treatment of pain patients because chronification of pain can occur more frequently in this area. METHODS: For this review the databases PubMed, Medline und PsycINFO were searched using the terms oxytocin, pain, human and analgesic. The search resulted in a total of 89 original articles after excluding articles regarding labor pain, breastfeeding and animal studies. Only those studies were included which were carried out between 1994 and 2015. A total of 17 articles remained for inclusion in this review and included 13 studies on the exogenous application of oxytocin and 4 on measurement of oxytocin levels in plasma. CONCLUSION: This review article gives a summary of the current state of research on oxytocin and its direct and indirect association with human pain perception and emphasizes its relevance for the multimodal management of pain.

Eu gosto da escola: um estudo sobre o apego ao ambiente escolar / I like school: a study on the attachment to the school environment / Me gusta la escuela: un estudio sobre el apego al ambiente escolar

O presente artigo teve como objetivo analisar o nível de apego dos alunos ao ambiente escolar. Para tanto, adotou-se a perspectiva da relação pessoa-ambiente que busca contribuir para a vertente institucional da psicopedagogia. Participaram do estudo 200 alunos do ensino médio, com idade média de 15,15 (DP=0,98), igualmente distribuídos entre escolas públicas e privadas de uma capital nordestina. Estes responderam à Escala Apego ao Lugar, além de questões sociodemográficas. As análises indicaram que o nível de apego à escola foi considerável em relação ao esperado, evidenciando uma diferença significativa do nível de apego ao lugar em função do tipo de sistema de ensino (t(191) = -2,205; p≤0,03), com destaque para a escola privada (M= 3,36; DP= 0,603). Com base nesses resultados, foi possível discutir a necessidade de desenvolver estratégias voltadas para promoção de identidade com a escola, percepção da escola como comunidade e atitudes positivas frente à escola.

This article aims to analyze the attachment level of students to the school environment. Therefore, it adopted the perspective of the person-environment relationship that seeks to contribute to the institutional aspect of educational psychology. Participants were 200 high school students with an average age of 15.15 (SD = 0.98), equally distributed between public and private schools in a northeastern capital. They answered to Attachment Place Scale to place in attachment to sociodemographic questions. The analyzes indicated that the level of addiction to school has been achieved in relation to the expected, showing a significant difference in the level of attachment to place depending on the type of education system (t (191) = -2.205; p≤0,03) , especially the private school (M = 3.36, SD = 0.603). Based on these results, it was possible to discuss the need to develop focused strategies to promote identity with the school, the school as a community perception and positive attitudes to school.

El presente artículo tuvo como objetivo analizar el nivel de apego de los alumnos al ambiente escolar. Para tanto, se adoptó la perspectiva de la relación persona-ambiente que busca contribuir para la vertiente institucional de la psicopedagogía. Participaron del estudio 200 alumnos de la enseñanza secundaria, con edad media de 15,15 (DP=0,98), igualmente distribuidos entre escuelas públicas y privadas de una capital nordestina. Éstos contestaron a la Escala Apego al Lugar además de cuestiones sociodemográficas. Los análisis indicaron que el nivel de apego a la escuela fue considerable en relación al esperado, evidenciando una diferencia significativa del nivel de apego al lugar en función del tipo de sistema de enseñanza (t(191) = -2,205; p≤0,03), con destaque para la escuela privada (M= 3,36; DP= 0,603). Con base en esos resultados, fue posible discutir sobre la necesidad de desarrollar estrategias volcadas para promoción de identidad con la escuela, percepción de la escuela como comunidad y actitudes positivas frente a la escuela.

Eu gosto da escola: um estudo sobre o apego ao ambiente escolar / I like school: a study on the attachment to the school environment / Me gusta la escuela: un estudio sobre el apego al ambiente escolar

O presente artigo teve como objetivo analisar o nível de apego dos alunos ao ambiente escolar. Para tanto, adotou-se a perspectiva da relação pessoa-ambiente que busca contribuir para a vertente institucional da psicopedagogia. Participaram do estudo 200 alunos do ensino médio, com idade média de 15,15 (DP=0,98), igualmente distribuídos entre escolas públicas e privadas de uma capital nordestina. Estes responderam à Escala Apego ao Lugar, além de questões sociodemográficas. As análises indicaram que o nível de apego à escola foi considerável em relação ao esperado, evidenciando uma diferença significativa do nível de apego ao lugar em função do tipo de sistema de ensino (t(191) = -2,205; p≤0,03), com destaque para a escola privada (M= 3,36; DP= 0,603). Com base nesses resultados, foi possível discutir a necessidade de desenvolver estratégias voltadas para promoção de identidade com a escola, percepção da escola como comunidade e atitudes positivas frente à escola.

This article aims to analyze the attachment level of students to the school environment. Therefore, it adopted the perspective of the person-environment relationship that seeks to contribute to the institutional aspect of educational psychology. Participants were 200 high school students with an average age of 15.15 (SD = 0.98), equally distributed between public and private schools in a northeastern capital. They answered to Attachment Place Scale to place in attachment to sociodemographic questions. The analyzes indicated that the level of addiction to school has been achieved in relation to the expected, showing a significant difference in the level of attachment to place depending on the type of education system (t (191) = -2.205; p≤0,03) , especially the private school (M = 3.36, SD = 0.603). Based on these results, it was possible to discuss the need to develop focused strategies to promote identity with the school, the school as a community perception and positive attitudes to school.

El presente artículo tuvo como objetivo analizar el nivel de apego de los alumnos al ambiente escolar. Para tanto, se adoptó la perspectiva de la relación persona-ambiente que busca contribuir para la vertiente institucional de la psicopedagogía. Participaron del estudio 200 alumnos de la enseñanza secundaria, con edad media de 15,15 (DP=0,98), igualmente distribuidos entre escuelas públicas y privadas de una capital nordestina. Éstos contestaron a la Escala Apego al Lugar además de cuestiones sociodemográficas. Los análisis indicaron que el nivel de apego a la escuela fue considerable en relación al esperado, evidenciando una diferencia significativa del nivel de apego al lugar en función del tipo de sistema de enseñanza (t(191) = -2,205; p≤0,03), con destaque para la escuela privada (M= 3,36; DP= 0,603). Con base en esos resultados, fue posible discutir sobre la necesidad de desarrollar estrategias volcadas para promoción de identidad con la escuela, percepción de la escuela como comunidad y actitudes positivas frente a la escuela.

Uma medida de apego: versão brasileira da Experiences in Close Relationship Scale - Reduzida (ECR-R-Brasil) / An attachment measure: brazilian version of Experiences in Close Relationship Scale - Short Form / Une mesure de l'attachement: version brésilienne de la Experiences in Close Relationship Scale - Réduit (ECR-R-Brésil) / Una medida del apego: versión brasileña de la Experiences in Close Relationship Scale - Reducida (ECR-R-Brasil)

Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram adaptar e buscar evidências de validade para a população brasileira da versão reduzida da Experience in Close Relationship. Após procedimentos de tradução dos 12 itens, o instrumento foi respondido por 4.879 adultos de todas as regiões do país, 66% mulheres. Análises fatoriais exploratórias e confirmatórias evidenciaram a adequação da estrutura de dois fatores, em consonância com o estudo original. Os índices de consistência interna dos fatores "ansiedade" e "evitação" mostraram-se satisfatórios. Encontraram-se resultados de diferenças sexuais e correlações com tempo de relacionamento e níveis de sociossexualidade de acordo com as hipóteses teóricas e muito semelhantes aos encontrados para a versão brasileira da medida estendida. Ainda, a escala foi capaz de diferenciar participantes que estavam em relacionamento compromissado daqueles em relacionamento sem compromisso. Considera-se que as evidências de validade e fidedignidade encontradas para a ECR-R-Brasil mostraram-se satisfatórias.

The aim of this study was to adapt and seek validity evidence for the Brazilian population of the short version of the Experience in Close Relationship Scale. After translation procedures of the 12 items, 4,879 adults from all regions of the country answered the instrument, being 66% women. Exploratory and confirmatory factorial analyses showed a suitable two-factor structure, in line with the original study. The reliability coefficients of "anxiety" and "avoidance" factors were adequate. We found results of sex differences and correlations with length of relationship and sociosexuality according to the theoretical assumptions and very similar to those found in the Brazilian long-version of the measure. Also, the scale was able to discriminate participants who were in a committed relationship of those in non-committed relationships. We consider that our Brazilian adapted version of the instrument displayed satisfactory evidence of validity and reliability.

Les objectifs de cette étude étaient d'adapter et de trouver des preuves de validité pour la population brésilienne de la version réduite de l'échelle Experience in Close Relationship. Après la traduction de ses 12 questions, l'instrument a été répondu par 4,879 adultes de toutes les régions du pays, dont 66% femmes. Analyses factorielles exploratoires et confirmatoires ont montré la pertinence de la structure de deux facteurs, conformément l'étude originale. La fiabilité de les facteurs " anxiété " et " evitement " étaient appropriées. Les résultats pour les différences de sexe et corrélations avec la durée de la relation et socioséxualité ont respecté les hypothèses théoriques et ont été très semblables à celles trouvées par la version brésilienne étendue de la mesure. L'échelle a été capable de distinguer les participants qui étaient dans une relation engagée de ceux qui étaient dans relations sans engagement. On considère que cette version brésilienne adaptée de l'instrument a montré preuves satisfaisantes de validité et fiabilité.

Los objetivos de esta pesquisa fueron adaptar y buscar pruebas de validez para la población brasileña de la versión reducida de la escala Experience in Close Relationship. Después de procedimientos de traducción de los 12 ítems, el instrumento fue contestado por 4.879 adultos de todas las regiones del país, y 66% de ellos eran mujeres. Análisis factoriales exploratorias y confirmatorias demostraron la adecuación de la estructura de dos factores, en conformidad con el estudio original. Los índices de consistencia interna de los factores "ansiedad" y "evitación" se mostraron satisfactorios. Encontramos resultados de diferencias sexuales y correlaciones con el tiempo de relación y niveles de sociosexualidad de acuerdo con las hipótesis teóricas y muy similares a los encontrados para la versión brasileña de la medida extendida. La escala fue capaz de distinguir los participantes que se encontraban en relaciones comprometidas de aquellos en relaciones sin compromiso. Se consideran satisfactorias las pruebas de validez y confiabilidad encontradas para la ECR-R-Brasil.